Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards management of men with locally advanced prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy: An Australian survey of urologists - Abstract

March 11, 2015

OBJECTIVE: To investigate Australian urologists' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and the association of these with treatment preferences relating to guideline-recommended adjuvant radiotherapy for men with adverse pathologic features following radical prostatectomy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A nationwide mailed and web-based survey of Australian urologist members of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ).

RESULTS: 157 Surveys were included in the analysis (45% response rate). Just over half of respondents (57%) were aware of national clinical practice guidelines for the management of prostate cancer. Urologists' attitudes and beliefs towards the specific recommendation for post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy for men with locally advanced prostate cancer were mixed. Just over half agreed the recommendation is based on a valid interpretation of the underpinning evidence (54.1%, 95% CI [46%, 62.2%]) but less than one third agreed adjuvant radiotherapy will lead to improved patient outcomes (30.2%, 95% CI [22.8%, 37.6%]). Treatment preferences were varied, demonstrating clinical equipoise. A positive attitude towards the clinical practice recommendation was significantly associated with treatment preference for adjuvant radiotherapy (rho = .520, p< .0001). There was stronger preference for adjuvant radiotherapy in more recently trained urologists (registrars) while preference for watchful waiting was greater in more experienced urologists (consultants) (b=.156, p=.034; 95% CI [.048, 1.24]). Urologists' attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines in general were positive.

CONCLUSION: There remains clinical equipoise among Australian urologists in relation to adjuvant radiotherapy for men with adverse pathologic features following radical prostatectomy.

Written by: Brown BB, Young J, Kneebone AB, Brooks AJ, Dominello A, Haines M. Are you the author? Sax Institute, Haymarket, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.

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